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The health benefits of Petitgrain Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties as an antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, antidepressant, deodorant, nervine and sedative substance.

Citrus fruits are treasure troves of wonderful medicinal properties and this has earned them a significant place in the world of aromatherapy and herbal medicines. Time and again we find another essential oil derived from our well-known citrus fruit, none other than the refreshing and the thirst-quenching “Orange”. The botanical name of orange is Citrus Aurantium. You might think that we have already studied the essential oil derived from orange. The question, therefore, is how is this one different?

The Essential Oil of Oranges is extracted from the peels of oranges by cold compression, while the Essential Oil of Petitgrain is extracted from the fresh leaves and young and tender twigs of orange tree through steam distillation. The chief constituents of this oil are gamma terpineol, geraniol, geranyl acetate, linalool, linalyl acetate, myrcene, neryl acetate and trans ocimene. You might also remember that Neroli Essential Oil is also derived from the flowers of oranges.

Now do you understand? No part of this citrus plant goes to waste. It is extremely beneficial. Are you still confused regarding its name? This oil was previously extracted from green and young oranges, which were the size of peas – hence the name Petitgrain. This oil is extensively used in the perfume and cosmetics industries, as well as in food and beverages as a flavouring agent, due to its remarkable aroma.

Apart from being used in aromatherapy, the Petitgrain oil has numerous uses in herbal medicine. Its medicinal uses are listed and explained below.

Health Benefits of Petitgrain Essential Oil

Antiseptic: Almost all of us are well acquainted with the word “septic” and hear it frequently in our daily life, but seldom do we try to investigate into its details. All we care to know is that whenever we get a wound, it is enough to stick a “Band-Aid” or any other medicated strip on it or apply an antiseptic lotion or cream on it and it is over. If it still gets worse and there is reddish swelling around the wound, then we go to the doctor, he pushes in an injection, and the matter is settled. Have you ever wondered whether you can get septic even without wounds? What is septic and what causes it? How serious can it be?

Septic is actually a type of infection which may happen to any open and unprotected body part, external or internal, and is caused by a kind of bacteria called Staphylococcus Aureus. Since wounds are the points most vulnerable to infection (being open and exposed), symptoms of septic are therefore mostly seen on wounds but are not limited to that. Septic in the urethra, urinary tracts, gall bladder, and kidneys are also frequently heard of. Neo-natal babies are very susceptible to septic. This infection can give rise to acute pain in the affected places or in the whole body, cramps, convulsions, swelling with redness, stiffness in the muscles and joints, abnormal behaviour, and even death, in the most extreme cases. Many babies catch this infection the moment they are born or when their umbilical cord is cut to detach them from their mother’s body, and this septic can often lead to their tragic death. An antiseptic, like this essential oil of Petitgrain, fights this infection by inhibiting bacterial growth. This oil, being non-toxic and non-irritant, can be safely applied externally or ingested.

Antispasmodic: Sometimes, we suffer from continuous exhausting coughs, abdominal and muscular cramps, congestion, intestinal pulls, and convulsions but are unable to detect the reason behind them. There is always the possibility that these are being caused by spasms. Spasms are unwanted, involuntary and excessive contractions in the muscles, tissues, and nerves. Spasms in respiratory organs such as lungs and respiratory tracts can result in congestion, breathing troubles and coughs, while in the muscles and intestines, it can give painful cramps, and abdominal aches. Similarly, spasms of the nerves can result in afflictions, convulsions and can even trigger hysteric attacks. The treatment is relaxation of the affected parts of the body. An anti-spasmodic substance does precisely this. The Essential Oil of Petitgrain, being anti-spasmodic in nature, induces relaxation in the tissues, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, thereby helping to cure spasms.

Antidepressant: The relaxing effect of Petitgrain Essential Oil helps overcome depression and other problems such as anxiety, stress, anger, and fear. It uplifts the mood and induces positive thinking.

Deodorant: The refreshing, energizing, and delightfully woody yet floral fragrance of Petitgrain Essential Oil does not leave any trace of body odour. It also curbs the growth of bacteria in those parts of the body that are always subjected to heat and sweat and remain covered by clothes so sunlight cannot reach them. In this way, this essential oil prevents body odour and various skin infections which result from these bacterial growths.

Nervine: This oil has a very good reputation as a nerve tonic. It has a soothing and relaxing effect on the nerves and protects them from the adverse effects of shock, anger, anxiety, and fear. It is equally efficient in calming nervous afflictions, convulsions, and epileptic and hysteric attacks. Finally, it strengthens the nerves and the nervous system as a whole.

Sedative: It is a good sedative for all sorts of nervous crises such as afflictions, irritations, inflammations, anxiety, and sudden anger. It can also be used to treat problems like abnormal palpitations, hypertension and insomnia.

Other Benefits: It is good for maintaining the moisture and oil balance of the skin as well as for treating acne, pimples, abnormal sweating (those who suffer from nervousness have this problem), dryness and cracking of the skin, and ring worm. It also soothes nausea and eliminates the urge to vomit, since it is an anti-emetic. When used in the summer, it gives a cool and refreshing feeling.